Whether you call this a gluten free meatball sub or as we New Englander's like to say a gluten free meatball grinder, one thing is for sure...this delicious savory meatball recipe is going to make an awesome meal!
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One of the things I love most about this recipe is the flavor. Whether you make homemade gluten free meatballs or you use frozen meatballs, the meatballs are slowly cooked in a tomato sauce. This infuses the sauce flavor into your meatballs, making them tender and perfect for a gluten free submarine sandwich!
For this gluten free meatball sub recipe, you can use homemade gluten free meatballs or gluten free frozen meatballs. Here are some of my favorite gluten free homemade pasta sauces, and my favorite gluten free jarred sauces.
This recipe is great to make either stovetop or in your slow cooker. If you are looking for even more great dinner ideas, I have a ton of kid-approved family gluten free dinner recipes for you to browse!
Are you ready to give this recipe a try? You will love all of the options to customize this recipe based on ingredients you have on-hand.
Ingredient notes:
- Gluten free meatballs - I include a list of recipes and gluten free store-bought options below.
- Sauce - Use a homemade sauce or store-bought pasta sauce. I list these below.
- Gluten free baguette - I like Schar baguettes best. Heat them in the oven so they get crisp!
Recipe step by step directions:
Grab or make your favorite sauce. Choose how you want to cook these and add either raw meatballs or frozen meatballs and cover them with sauce. See below for lots of yummy ideas!
Stovetop method:
- To cook the meatballs in sauce on your stovetop, add the homemade or jarred sauce to a large pot.
- Add in the raw or frozen meatballs.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Turn the heat down to simmer and allow to cook for 45 minutes. Cooking this with low heat allows the flavors to penetrate into the meatballs more.
Slow cooker method:
- Add your sauce and meatballs to a slow cooker.
- Cover and turn on high and cook for 3-4 hours, or cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Homemade pasta sauces:
I used this homemade gluten free marinara sauce to cook my meatballs in. If you prefer, you can use a homemade meat sauce like this ground pork Pasta Sauce, or this savory meat gluten free pasta sauce. If you prefer spicier meatballs, why not try this Fra Diavolo sauce?
What jarred pasta sauces are gluten free?
While most tomato-based pasta sauces are naturally gluten free, every now and then I am surprised so always read the labels to ensure the pasta sauce you choose is gluten free. My favorite gluten free jarred sauces are:
- Mezzetta
- Prego
- Barilla
- Newman's Own
- Rao's
What brands of frozen meatballs are gluten free?
There are several great gluten free brands of frozen meatballs. When I am in a hurry, frozen meatballs can save the day!! Here are some of my favorites:
- Coastal Range Organics - Their gluten free chicken meatballs are full of flavor.
- Aidelles makes gluten free meatballs in several flavors.
- Rosina makes one flavor of gluten free meatballs
- Colameco makes wonderful gluten free meatballs. I found them at Whole Foods.
What are some good gluten free meatball recipes?
- This zucchini ricotta meatballs recipe is not only gluten free, but it is also egg-free!
- Save some time using your air fryer to cook your meatballs. This is perfect for these gluten free chicken meatballs.
- Here are 14 more delicious gluten free meatballs recipes to try.
Tips and Recipe FAQ:
For this recipe, I used a gluten free baguette by Against All Grain. It was in the frozen section of my grocery store. You can also use Schar Baguettes, which are in shelf-stable packaging in the bread or gluten free section of your grocery store.
These meatballs should keep about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
You can freeze the meatballs, but I wouldn't freeze the meatball sub because the bread will get too soggy.
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Sub
Ingredients
- 1 pound gluten free meatballs frozen or raw made from scratch
- 32 ounces pasta sauce about 2 jars
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- gluten free baguette
Instructions
- Stovetop method: In a large pot, add the sauce and either raw or frozen meatballs. Mix gently to cover the meatballs in sauce. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and allow to slowly cook for 45 minutes.
- Slow cooker method: Add the sauce and meatballs to a slow cooker. Mix gently to cover the meatballs in sauce. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
- Take a gluten free baguette and slice down the length of the bagette. Cut it into 3 pieces keeping the tops and bottoms together.
- Fill each piece of baguette with 3 meatballs. Top with extra sauce, parmesan cheese, and sprinkle fresh basil on top.
- Optional: add a slice of mozzarella cheese to each sub on top of the meatalls. Cook under a broiler for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Notes
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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Lisalia
Thanks for this great GF meal idea! We are always on the lookout for new delicious ideas that comply with our dietary requirements. Nom nom.
Sandi Gaertner
I am really glad you want to try this Lisalia :-). Let me know how it turns out.
Jenn
Love this GF version of the classic! Easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner and oh so comforting!
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you enjoyed it Jenn, thank you for letting me know.